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8 sights in Singapore that you should not miss!

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If you travel to Asia on a regular basis, Singapore is likely to cross your path. Even though Singapore is not even the smallest country in the world, it remains a small country in big Asia. Not for nothing the capital of Singapore is also called Singapore. The likelihood that you are really booking a Singapore vacation may not be that great, but a stopover or a Singapore city break of a few days is often easy to fit into your Asia trip. And that is definitely recommended, as it is very nice to spend only a few days in Singapore! Just because Singapore is so different from the rest of Southeast Asia: The official language is English and it’s super nice and clean. The sights of Singapore are well organized, within a few days you can sign off your Singapore Sightseeing List. We introduce the 8 attractions of Singapore that you can not miss! 1. Food in the food halls of Singapore: Hawker Center During your Singapore vacation, you do not have to worry about the food. You can eat your belly everyday in one of the many open-air food halls (called Hawker Center in Singapore). There are so many different hawker centers that contain hundreds of stalls, so you can always try a new dish. Personally, I think that this is one of the best attractions in Singapore. Some stalls are so popular that there are long lines to get a plate of chicken on rice, for example. Each stand has its own specialty, so you can just walk around and see which dish you like best. Are you always hesitant when eating street food for hygienic reasons? Throw it overboard in Singapore. All stands must meet strict hygiene requirements. You can check how well a food stall treats hygiene by looking at the letters (A to D) on the stand.

If you see something that makes your mouth water, you can order it. Then you can sit at one of the tables in the Hawker Center to eat it. And then you just start looking around and ordering. How to organize your own Singapore Food Tour! If you are with a group, you can all order something at a different booth, show everything on the table and try everything! A number of well-known Hawker centers are Old Airport Road Food Center, Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center, Maxwell Road Hawker Center and Satay Street. Most hawker centers are of the kind fluorescent lamps, metal tables and plastic stools or chairs, but some are positive in terms of styling (like Maxwell Road Hawker Center). Although …. that is of course also a bit to Asia?

2. Singapore for shop-a-holics If Singapore is your first stop on your Asia trip and you are a business-a-holic, make sure you do not pack too much before your Singapore vacation. You definitely need space in your suitcase or backpack. Because in Singapore you can not ignore: the more than 100 shopping centers. A paradise for shopping. But even if you do not like shopping, there is a shopping mall worth visiting. The shopping center in Marina Bay Sands, where a “little Venice” is made. You can sail through the mall in a gondola, a bizarre sight.

  3. Beer tasting with a view: the sights of Singapore from above A literal highlight of a Singapore city break is to enjoy a bird’s eye view in a sky bar or vantage point. Singapore is not cheap, so finding an affordable place to enjoy this view is a challenge. In the “Level 33”, a brewery with roof terrace, you get a lot of value for your money. Here you can order a beer tasting and enjoy the beautiful view of the Marina Bay while tasting your special beers. The beers you get are pretty big, so you can also share a small board when you are two. 4. The tallest swimming pool in the world at Marina Bay Sands Hotel If you really want to stay in the style of Singapore and allow your budget, book a room at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel: the symbol of Singapore. Immerse yourself in luxury, all rooms in this hotel are beautiful. If you book one of the 2561 rooms, you can also swim in the highest swimming pool in the world. This infinity pool is located on the roof of the hotel. A unique experience that you will not forget so quickly. Yes, it hurts in your wallet, but if you have the chance, it’s well worth it. You book a room from € 300 per night. If your budget is more limited, you can still enjoy the hotel’s proximity to Gardens by the Bay. The “ship” Marina Bay Sands is probably one of the most photographed sights in Singapore and you can not miss the fact that it appears on your Singapore photos. 5. Gardens on the Bay: a futuristic forest with super trees You can find them beautiful or ugly, the huge futuristic “trees” of Gardens by the Bay. But the 20 to 50 meter high super trees are definitely famous. Since opening in 2011, they have quickly become a Singapore landmark. The entrance to the park is free (many attractions in the park cost money), so you can easily walk through. Especially if you go to Marina Bay Sands and you are already in the area. In the evening, between 19.45 and 20.45, a light show takes place in Gardens by the Bay, during which the Supertrees are spectacularly illuminated. Selected Tours in Singapore There are many fun tours in Singapore. In addition to the tours is also a bike ride through Singapore very nice. You can choose between a bike tour along the highlights of Singapore, a bike ride at night or a food tour by bike!

6. Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam That Singapore is a mix of cultures can be seen in the districts of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. If you walk around here, you are in China, India or the Arab world. Chinatown has a large temple and shops selling Chinese tea, chopsticks and other Chinese souvenirs. The streets are decorated with red lanterns. There is also a temple in Little India, but the shops here are full of saris and Indian restaurants. In Kampong Glam no temple, but a mosque, the Sultan Mosque. Here you will find many Arab restaurants and in the streets hangs the smell of hookah. 7. To the beach in Singapore A beach in Singapore, is that it? Yes, sir! Although this beach is not real (the sand and palm trees were imported from Malaysia), you do not notice much when you are on the island of Sentosa. Everything on Sentosa is for anyone wanting to celebrate a holiday in Singapore, including resorts, Universal Studios Amusement Park, Sky Tower, beach tents and restaurants. And then of course there is this tropical sandy beach with palm trees! Sentosa is not the only island in Singapore, we have already talked about the other islands of Singapore.

We have selected accommodations in Singapore

hotel Arcadia Hotel This modern hotel offers good value for money for Singapore. The rooms are small, but the location of the hotel is good. book now

capsule hotel Chic capsule hotel This capsule hotel gets a 9.0 on Booking.com and has a very good location in the middle of Chinatown. Capsules with own TV and incl. Breakfast. book now

luxury Marina Bay Sands The hotel of Singapore. Super Deluxe, with the highest rooftop pool in the world. A unique experience. book now

8. The Botanical Gardens: UNESCO World Heritage Unfortunately, I have not visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens yet, but you should not miss this list of Singapore’s attractions. But also because the botanical gardens founded in 1859 are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can enjoy the peace, tranquility and smell of flowers and plants. Admission is free and you can easily get there by metro. In the gardens you will also find the Michelin-starred restaurant “Corner House”. The botanical gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Singapore, with 4.5 million visitors annually finding their way to this place. The Post 8 sights in Singapore that you should not miss! first appeared on I want to travel more!

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What to do in Sanur, Bali? 10 tips for this cool coastal city on the East Coast!

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Once you arrive in Bali, Sanur is an ideal place to go immediately. Here you can spend your holidays on the long sandy beach, there are many nice restaurants in Sanur, where you can order traditional dishes as well as trendy bowls, you will find fine hotels (here we slept in Sanur) and it is quiet compared to the popular ones Kuta or Seminyak (our old Lonely Planet Sanur was even called Snore Sanur or Boring Sanur, but we found peace after our flight with Cathay Pacific to Bali and there are many restaurants where it is pleasantly busy). In addition, there is another important reason why we find the cold to drive directly to Sanur: you can easily travel from Sanur to the Nusa Islands. So plan a few days for this coastal city when you travel to Bali and especially if you also want to visit the Nusa Islands (Penida, Ceningang and Lembongan). Curious what to do in Sanur when you are here for a few days? Below are our 10 tips: 10x What to do in Sanur, Bali

1. Walk sweeping beach hangings on Sanur Bali In Sanur you will find a long sandy beach and sea water, which is quite calm, dozens of meters the sea is wonderfully quiet and this relaxed beach is also the main reason to travel to this part of Bali. You do not have to look for wild waves as you find them in Canggu or Kuta. Further in the sea, after the reef you will see some big waves breaking, but the part where you can swim is calm and there is no strong current. On the beach in Sanur you can float or make laps without being blown away by them. Another plus is that the sandy beach of Sanur is yellow and soft, no black beach and no hard stones. With your towel a spot on the sandy beach is easy to find and there are also enough trees if you need shade. Would you like something more luxurious and relaxed? There are also many tents where you can rent sun beds with a parasol and some places have a nice swimming pool overlooking the sea (The van Art Artotel is fantastically beautiful). We saw, among other things, that you can rent beds for 50,000 IDR, but who knows you can bargain, and if you eat or go to sleep somewhere, other prices are likely to apply. We were mostly at the height of the Tandung Sari Hotel and Werdhapura Beach. If you are there, you also have beautiful views of the houses that are so typical of Sanur. 2. Follow a yoga class by the sea Due to our jet lag, we were far too early to find the beach, the sun was just up but we saw that there are yoga classes at sea. We do not know which yoga class we saw, it was at least at the end of the street Jl. Pantai Karang, but we have also heard that you can take yoga classes in the Power of Now oasis in Sanur. If you just have a jet lag or a yoga class, we recommend that you take a lesson in the sea. Sanur beach

3. Shopping in Sanur If you are in Sanur, there are many opportunities for shopping. There are not many shops that drive you crazy, but nice shops are there and you can go to the Sanur Markets. These markets are located mainly on the roads that lead to the sea. There are several stalls selling flax summer dresses, Wicker Bali bags, beautiful towels, toys or souvenirs. On the bigger street, like Jl. Danau Tamblingan also offers more boutiques and concept stores with a bit more expensive clothing and well-known brands. No reading material? For books, go to Ganesha Bookshop. 4. Do it in the most beautiful restaurants in Sanur In the few days we were in Sanur, we could not test all the nice restaurants we saw, there were just too many. There are very good warungs, these are local restaurants where you often eat traditional Indonesian dishes (our favorites on these menus: Gado Gado, Sate Ayam and Pisang Rai for dessert). The nicest warungs we ate? There are two: Warung Lilla Pantai and Warung Little Bird (shortly after it opened, that was in 2010, we have eaten here during our trip around the world and now in 2018 it is still highly recommended). In these local restaurants you can sometimes drink for two with two people for € 12.50, both eating a main course and sharing a dessert. But you can also find trendy hotspots in Sanur, think of the bread basket where you can eat fantastic Bali bowls, or Sala Bistro & Coffee, where coffee is as tasty as it is at home. There are also chic places like the Artotel, where you definitely have to go if you enjoy drinking a cocktail in a beautiful beach club or enjoying luxurious restaurants. Read more about the best restaurants in Sanur here Bali bowls in Sanur

Step on a SUP and admire Sanur and Bali from the sea From your towel to the sea, as you occasionally read in your good book, is of course the ultimate vacation, but also step on a SUP when you’re in Sanur for a few days. Standup Paddle Boards are often rented in Bali and are easy to use in Sanur as the sea is so calm here. Just being active and making all those smoothies and Gado Gado’s sweat is pretty nice. In addition, Sanur and the whole of Bali looks pretty cool when you’re a little farther out to sea, so enjoy the view while you trudge around. 6. Visit houses, coconut art, boats and dragons Along the beach of Sanur there is a stone path where you can take a nice walk, a kind of mini-boulevard. You pass cozy restaurants, luxurious swimming pools with impressive hotels and a few salespeople trying to get a tour or massage. But the best part of this hike is that you can also see the most beautiful colorful boats on the beach, coconuts hanging in the trees that have been treated to be just street art, and several houses built along the coast of Sanur , Kind of piers. In these houses you can chill in the shade and it is a perfect photo spot, these houses are in one way or another characteristic of the beach of Sanur. You also have to look up every now and then, when you are in Sanur, you will notice that more than once you see dragons decorating the blue sky. Sanur

7. Discover the rest of Bali from Sanur Did you know that you can also explore other parts of Bali from Sanur? Within 45 minutes, you can often drive to Ubud and visit the intensely green rice fields, shop at the popular market, admire the monkey forest or the temples. Other places are also easily accessible with excursions and you can arrange this well with the various tour operators by the sea or in the smaller streets. Sanur is a convenient base if you want to see more of Bali, but you can also travel from Sanur, we have traveled to the Nusa Islands with the first stop Nusa Penida (read how to arrange this). 8. Sleep in the hip Sanur House during your vacation We slept in the wonderfully trendy Sanur House when we arrived in Bali. This trendy hotel has a style that you fall in love with immediately. The garden is fantastic, the furniture selection is perfect and there are beautiful works of art hanging on the walls everywhere. A super nice, clean and cozy hotel where you also have a relaxing pool, the friendliest staff works and you can enjoy breakfast with fresh juice, yogurt with fruit, eggs and coffee. We had a standard room with a soft bed, a very cool painting on the wall, a balcony where you could sit outside and a good bathroom. Next to the room we were in love with the garden. It is wonderful to walk through, every morning we follow a winding path along banana trees and other exotic plants to the swimming pool and breakfast area. The door of our balcony and gardens was also a typical Bali copy with carvings and painted in red, golden colors. In terms of price you can sleep in Sanur cheaper, but the price-performance ratio is in our opinion high, you really get a good value for money, if you have a nice deal. Sanur house

9. Rent a bike and make a journey of discovery What many travelers do when they are in Sanur: rent a bike! In addition to scooters, bicycles are fully let and if you do so, you can see more of Sanur faster. Especially the way along the sea is fun to cycle, but also to dive into the smaller streets, which are slightly further away from the main road Jl. Danau Tamblingan. So you discover a completely different side of this coastal city. 10. Travel from Sanur (Bali) to Penida or Lembongang (Nusa Islands) Where Padangbai in Bali is the ideal place to travel by fast boat or slow ferry to the Gili’s, you can travel from Sanur in Bali to the Nusa Islands: Penida, Lembongang or Ceningan. These islands are highly recommended for a variety of reasons. You will find on the Nusa Penida the mighty beautiful Kelingking Beach and many other highlights and on Nusa Lembongan you will find an intensively beautiful blue sea, where Sanur actually falls into nowhere. Leave Sanur / Bali after a while and go on an adventure on the Nusa Islands, which you can sometimes see from the coast of Sanur. Read here how to get from Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida Tips for getting to Bali and getting to Sanur from the airport Sanur is about 40 to 60 minutes by taxi (depending on traffic) from Bali Airport, Denpasar. It is a coastal city on the east coast of the island. You can pick you up at the airport from your hotel, we slept at Sanur House and arranged a transfer for 200,000 IDR for two people. Or you can organize a taxi yourself and go to Sanur. They are probably a little cheaper, but organizing a taxi at the airport in Bali can be a challenge as the drivers are pretty sharp and brutal. In Sanur you can see a lot on foot, but it is also nice to rent a bike or a scooter, see above. Are you looking for a good plane ticket to Bali? We flew with Cathay Pacific to Bali. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push( google_ad_client: "ca-pub-1668057631060645", enable_page_level_ads: true );

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Between magic, hippy cult and breathtaking scenery - discover Ibiza's secret places!

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Ibiza is a super magical place with many myths and legends.

Especially around the area around Es Vedra, where Ibiza’s famous rocks lie southwest of the island, there are a lot of legends and stories about its special energies. In this article you will learn what my top secret spots on the magical island of Ibiza are and where you can find them. It becomes spiritual!

  The magical Es Vedra

The uninhabited rocky island of Es Vedra rises at an altitude of 400 m directly in front of Ibiza’s beautiful bay Cala d’Hort from the sea. Es Vedra is made of limestone and is the third most magnetic place in the world. Legend has it that it was the home of the sirens and nymphs and the birthplace of the goddess Tanit. Because of the magic and myths of this place, many people believe in the inspirational energy and healing effects on people. Especially for Ibiza’s hippie scene Es Vedra has a strong meaning. If you want the best views of Es Vedra, drive to Cala d’Hort and at the intersection take the exit to Torre des Savinar. Drive into the gravel road to get to the small parking lot and from there take the right of the two paths that will take you to the edge of the cliffs. Here, Ibiza’s locals and tourists from all over the world enjoy the breathtaking sunset over Es Vedra. Nowhere else in the world have I seen a more beautiful and impressive sunset than here! Here is true magic in the air! Although I have been there 10-15 times, I love this view and it was always a breathtaking experience! Have some beer or a little wine and delicious tapas, experience the energy of freedom and enjoy the overwhelming orange-purple-pink sunset that you’ll never forget!

The sunk city of Atlantis.

Myths say that Es Vedra is the tip of the sunken civilization of Atlantis. To get to Atlantis, start from the same car park near Torre des Savinar, from where you also get to the Es Vedra viewpoint, but this time take the left of the two paths, which will take you directly to another world , After about 30 minutes walking you will reach the beautiful beach of Sa Padrera, as Atlantis is usually called. Along this route you will discover a lot of hippie signs, various ritual rock formations and some hidden caves that are often used either by hippies, for a magical night under the stars or as a shady spot on a hot beach day. On the halfway point, we made a stopover for a snack. Here we have found another hippie cave and a sandy plateau with a huge rock on which a mushroom graffiti is painted. From there you have an amazing view! Once down the beach you will find some spiritual signs as well as impressively crystal clear water that invites you to swim. But watch out for the jellyfish, which like to hide between the rock formations of Atlantis! If you walk back to the sunken city of Ibiza after your beautiful beach day, you might as well see some experienced climbers. Especially when the sun goes down and it is not so hot, they try to climb the steep mountain. Be sure to bring your camera with you to capture this unique scenery with its stunning nature and scenery! For this trip, I definitely recommend sturdy shoes like sneakers or hiking boots. Also, make sure you bring along enough water and possibly food, as the way down and above all can be high, very exhausting and there is nothing to buy locally. Absolute nature just!

Ibiza’s Stonehenge and the secret doors of Cala Llentia

Actually, we were on our way to Cala Codolar when we accidentally took the wrong route by scooter. This has led us on a rocky road, towards Cala Llentia, the neighboring bay of Cala Codolar. On our approx. 5-minute walk to Cala Llentia we discovered an impressive stone formation that looked like Stonehenge. The 13 rocks of Time & Space – the Speed ​​of Light by Andrew Rodgers, a famous Australian artist, are located above the cliffs with a direct view of Es Vedra. The largest of these stones was built in the center of the circle and is covered with 23-carat gold. It is also said that the stone formation is supposed to represent a sundial. After about 5 minutes walking, from the East Time & Space Monument, you will find two spectacular old doors surrounded by nothing but nature. If you enter the antique wooden doors, which were also built by Andrew Rogers, you have a direct view to Es Vedra and Ibiza’s Stonehenge. It’s so cool because it’s just the best scenery to take unique photos of your incredible time on my favorite island. For me these places are true spiritual places with myths, wonders and a lot of magic and should definitely have a place on your to-do list. You will love it! And while you’re there, take time to swim at Cala Llentia and Cala Codolar: It’s an absolute dream!

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Travel sickness - the best tips for a relaxing vacation

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Are you also someone who is often plagued by travel sickness? Whether during my road trip through California, in the rickety bus on winding roads in the mountains of northern Thailand or just on the plane: it does not catch me so often, but if it is, then it is always a very very unpleasant feeling. Especially when I pick up my smartphone or a book in vehicles, it not only makes me sick, but I also get a pretty nasty headache. Luckily, there are some tips that will help you to deal with travel sickness. I’ve already tried many of them myself and would like to share with you those who have helped me the most, here and now!

Travel sickness: the best tips for a relaxed vacation How does traveling sickness arise at all? First and foremost I would like to explain to you briefly how travel sickness (often the term motion sickness is used) actually arises. If you know the connections and triggers better, you can avoid many mistakes right from the start. The result is the nausea when traveling: For example, if you feel the swaying movements of the waves on a boat in your cabin, but can not see them because of the closed space, your brain is overwhelmed by the contradictory sensory impressions. Your inner-ear balance organ will be irritated and your body will react with nausea. In the car or bus, especially on winding roads, it’s the same, the other way around: You see the passing landscape, but sit perfectly still in your seat. Also, this situation can not properly assign your brain and you will be bad. Be sure to check the position of your seat A well-thought-out seating choice can really work wonders! For example, I get sick most of the time when I’m sitting in a car or bus on one of the back seats, concentrating on something in my hands. Be it a book or a smartphone: I get sick within a few minutes and I get an unpleasant headache. For example, I do not tolerate driving back in trains or buses at all. In the past, I’ve already spoiled so many travel days, but now I know better: If possible, always find a place where you have the opportunity to look out of the front window (very important: not the side window). It’s best to fix things that are far away, not moving, such as the road from the windshield. In the car you choose so best the passenger seat and in buses the places very far ahead. Do not fumble around in your backpack and do not read. Also, the laptop or your smartphone should stay packed! Regular breaks in the fresh air work wonders Do not underestimate the power of regular breaks and a bit of exercise in the open air, whether you’re traveling by bus, car or boat! I often remember my trip to the Antarctic on one of these great expedition ships: on some days, especially during the crossing of the dreaded Drake Passage, we had very high waves and almost half of the passengers on board became seasick. I did not feel too bad myself, but I spent a lot of time on the deck in fresh air and with a view towards the horizon. Seasickness is just another form of motion sickness If you can consider it in advance in your cabin booking: Helping with seasickness (seasickness is also just a form of travel sickness or motion sickness) would help a cabin in the middle of the ship at about the level of the water surface. Here you feel the sea swell the least. Do you often feel sick during a flight? Above all, strong turbulence or the rapid movements at take-off and landing can disturb the equilibrium organ of sensitive people and put a lot of pressure on them. My tip: Try to check in online before the flight and reserve a seat in the aisle in the front part of the aircraft near the wings. Also, get up regularly from your seat and walk a little up and down the aisle, that too helps! Travel sickness: the right food and drink A light, low-fat meal before the ride, or before your flight and enough still mineral water to drink in between can also help you very well to avoid the dreaded travel sickness. Neither a heavy burger with greasy fries nor a completely empty stomach would be good conditions. Do not even grab alcohol or too much coffee. What is never really officially recommended, but always helps me personally, is a cold coke! Relaxation and distraction against the travel sickness What is your mindset about motion sickness? Do you sometimes have to worry about getting sick again before traveling? If so, then unfortunately that is not such a good condition, because you put yourself and especially your body under great pressure. It probably happens for that reason alone. Therefore try to relax and distract a lot before and of course during the trip: talk to your fellow travelers or other passengers. Listen to your favorite music and admire the beautiful scenery outside. Maybe you can even sleep? Even sucking a candy can help against mild nausea. Healing Ritual: A massage of acupressure points A relaxing action on your body also has a light massage of the acupressure points on your wrists. To do this, massage the inside of this with two fingers of your other hand in a circle for about a minute. If you realize that this is good for you, then repeat this small, pleasant ritual at regular intervals. Medicines for prevention or treatment Ginger or ginger tea A natural remedy for nausea during a journey is ginger. On the expedition ship in the Antarctic, the crew kindly gave me raw ginger slices to chew, which helped me a great deal personally. However, raw ginger is really hot in the mouth and not for everyone. As an alternative, you can also sprinkle the pieces with hot water and drink as tea or buy ready-made ginger capsules in the pharmacy or drugstore. Probably not quite as powerful in effect as raw ginger, but tastier in any case better: candied ginger. Useful tips for traveling with children: My idea here would be ginger sweets or even ginger biscuits. But the homeopathic Cocculus globules in the potency D6 (you get in the pharmacy) should help children very well against the discomfort in the stomach area. Peppermint, artichoke or almond Peppermint tea also has a calming effect on your stomach. So, if you’re feeling sick already, try using a cup of peppermint tea to help minimize the damage. And at least it tastes worlds better than raw ginger. Incidentally, you can also add the yarrow, artichoke or almond extracts to your tea. These also help against the dull feeling in your stomach. Vitamin B6 What I personally have not tried, but read again and again as a tip against the nausea traveling, is vitamin B6. You can also buy finished dragees in the drugstore or pharmacy. Vitamin B6 has a calming effect on the nerves of your organ of balance and can thus alleviate your symptoms. What to do if no natural remedy helps anymore? What are you doing, if nothing works and you are really sick? The medium of my choice in this case is Vomex A (compulsory texts). With its active ingredient Dimenhydrinat the orodispersible tablets (super handy for on the way, since you can simply let them melt under the tongue without water) act directly on the vomiting center in the brain and prevent and so relieve the nausea. Vomex A can / should be taken preventively about an hour before departure. So do not wait until you’re sick. But as mentioned shortly before, in this case too you will feel better soon. What I did not know by the way: The tablets are also an effective aid if you have spoiled your stomach in the holiday country by exotic foods! Are you also suffering from travel sickness and are you always looking for good tips against the unpleasant feeling in your stomach? Do you have even more tips that I have not listed here? I am looking forward to your comment here on my travel blog!

Maybe that would be interesting for you too?

Are you always looking for cool gift ideas for your travel enthusiastic loved ones at home? Here I have put together a nice overview with many suggestions for you Here are some great tips for your next long-haul trip, such as choosing the right booking class, if you’d like to increase the likelihood of a free upgrade to Business Class And here’s something about health on the road: My detailed packing list for the first-aid kit Do you already know my tips for surviving long-haul flights? So you transform even the longest flight in a nice and pleasant time on board Is suitcase packing also a red cloth for you? Are you always afraid to forget something important at home? With my extensive travel packing list, this never happens to you again

* This post is for the drug Vomex A. My opinion, as well as all the tips in the article, however, are as always my own and have not been influenced in any way. The post travel sickness – the best tips for a relaxed vacation first appeared on Good Morning World.

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The Curious History of the Falkland Islands - Young Adventuress

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Deep in the heart of the Southern Ocean, about 500 kilometers east of Argentina’s soil, you will find the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), an incredibly wild and rocky conglomeration of hundreds of islands, home to some insane wildlife, epic landscapes and a truly remarkable Story that I suspect you probably do not know much about. I admit shamelessly that I did not know much about the Falkland Islands before we landed here after sailing from Argentina to begin our adventure with Quark Expeditions to the Antarctic, though I have a slight polar obsession. My knowledge was limited to vague textbook memories from high school about a war.

What I was greeted with was a remarkable surprise – the Falkland Islands were amazing.

  The Falkland Islands are as diverse as I would have imagined because they are so close to the Antarctic. They are made up of breathtaking beaches that intersect with green hills, with a hidden cottage that was a mix of the old world we are all familiar and completely unknown. A real bridge to the Antarctic. The Falkland Islands, often touted as the gateway to the Antarctic, are definitely worth a visit and an introduction to the sub-Antarctic islands of the Southern Ocean. There are far more cruises on the Antarctic Peninsula than in the Falkland Islands and in South Georgia. If you are on a trip to the Falkland Islands, you have discovered a place of little experience. I applaud you. In fact, I believe that the Falkland Islands are the perfect introduction to the Antarctic, a place that is easier to reach and is likely to create a deep fascination for this part of the world. We spent the first day at sea, with Quark getting to know Ocean Adventurer, the incredible expedition team and incredible team. This would be a collective experience for all and we could not wait to get started. For someone who often does not sleep in the same bed every night, sitting in my cozy bed in my stateroom and storing all my belongings for an adventure was a real treat. As our shaky legs and weak constitution began to harden, we saw land in the Falkland Islands. It was sunny and warm and not a cloud to mark the bright blue sky when we first boarded the Zodiacs at the head of the expert team to land and explore a new world for all of us. We were greeted with friendly faces, white sand beaches and many penguins, and it was not long before we understood that we had arrived in a strange, unique place in the world and we could not wait to get there. The history of these sub-antarctic islands at the bottom of the world is a fascinating one, different from any other place in the world. Follow me as I introduce you to one of my new favorite places: the Falkland Islands. Enjoy!

Falklands (Malvinas) and South Georgia: Islands of the Southern Ocean

The history Over the years, defeated, claimed and denied by many countries, the Falkland Islands are controversial. Even the hunt for “Falklands” over “Malvinas” may be offensive. Argued by Argentina, the islands had been under British control since 1833, simmering until the outbreak of the open conflict in 1982, before the Argentines surrendered after the Falklands War. Today, over 98% of people on the islands agree to remain a British Overseas Territory. Did I mention that the population has less than 3,000 souls? Lovingly nicknamed “Kelpers” and mostly of British origin, Stanley lives in the only town.

The birds

Let’s face it, I’m only there for the birds. When people say that the Falkland Islands are home to incredible wildlife, that’s what they think. In New Zealand, we freak out when we see a penguin or an albatross. These are species that are very rare and endangered, and you are very lucky to see one. There are over 220 bird species living or breeding in the Falkland Islands and you will probably encounter 5 species of penguins. Welcome to this part of the world! Our first landing on West Point Island took us on a beautiful hike up the hills to some incredible sea cliffs. As we made our way down, there was an incredible colony of black-browed albatrosses in the tall grasses. Well, to be honest, I could smell her before I could see her. Dozens of albatrosses sat on nests and huge, fluffy chicks slept among them, along with many rockhopper penguins and their chicks. It was a veritable zoo of wild and rare birds. Obviously, I freaked out and did not know what to do. I had never seen anything like that, and it took me a few minutes to admire those fat, fluffy chicks who swarmed in front of me and photographed myself. And this is not a unique scenario – later on our second landing from Saunders Island we encountered even more birds living together seemingly living together, even with a few sheep thrown in for a good shot! What a place! Honestly, how angry does this magellan penguin look in his hole? Subtitle contest, anyone? The beaches I seriously doubt if you have asked someone to describe how they envision islands off the Antarctic continent, and they would respond with white sand beaches. But here we are. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises for me when we made our first landing in the Falkland Islands were the white sand beaches. Oh, and all the penguins on the beaches. Not what you expect! On the first day, I had time to meet our amazing expedition leader Ali, who told me that Saunder’s Island, where we were right now, was one of her favorite spots on the entire trip. And after spending a day there and walking among white penguins on white beaches, I could not agree anymore. Certainly there is nowhere else like this on earth ?! When we zoomed in close to the shore, the water became clear and turquoise, and you could see directly on the bottom. It looked like a swimming pool. A quick dip of your fingers or a splash in your face and you’ll be reminded how close you are to the South Pole. As inviting as it looked, you could not pay me for it. Penguins mingle on the white sand, creating a truly ironic image that I will never forget. the defenders Can someone please explain why every other car in the small town of Stanley is a Land Rover Defender? It’s a hipster instagramer dream come true. We had a few hours to explore Stanley, visit the sights and enjoy the local pub culture. But what started out as a city tour with Jarrad and me evaporated quickly to “Let’s see the Defender” photoshoot, both shameless hipster instagrammers whose biggest dream it would be to own one of those expensive rides. Defender police car. Defender ambulance. Defender Firefighter. Retro Landies meet more modern whips. WHY? I need to know why there are so many in a city with 2,100 souls. My theory is that the Falklands are stereotypically British, between all the Defenders, Union Jacks and small city pubs and red booths, it really felt as British as you could get, as it was as far from the UK as you could get , It would be easy to imagine the queen rolling over to the company herself in one of these trips with a bunch of corgis. Curious, curious.

The views

The Falklands are also incredibly colorful and full of breathtaking views around every corner. In the Antarctic, the world is liberated from colors, everything mixes with blue, gray and white shades. But the Falkland Islands could not be more different, vibrant and alive, reminiscent of places like Ireland, with its wild coasts and green hills. If only Ireland had fewer people, more penguins and an incredible population of defenders.

It is one of the best kept secrets of the Antarctic

There is nowhere like the Falkland Islands. If you are a curious and intrepid traveler like me, always looking for secret places and disappearing from the map, it is for you. The Falkland Islands are a place few travelers visit, as there are not many trips, and many are unaware of the incredible views and exceptional wildlife opportunities that are available. It is a place that fascinates and inspires, unlike anywhere in the world and a unique bridge between the modern world we know the and the great emptiness of the Antarctic. These islands are a treasured secret of the region and this will definitely not be my last visit here. Have you ever heard of the Falkland Islands? Is such a place on your wish list? What is the most curious place you have ever traveled to? Share!

Book the Falklands and South Georgia today and use the coupon code LIZ150 for $ 150 on-board credit, which can be used for onboard purchases at the Polar Gift Shop or Cough Cough, the bar

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Mysterious Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of Morocco

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Discover Chefchaouen in Morocco

Welcome to Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco. It is famous for all houses and shops in different shades of blue. A magical place to lose yourself with your camera! The sun burns mercilessly and sets every color around me ablaze – and since everything is blue, I feel as if I am walking in a mythical kingdom of heaven above the clouds. But that’s not a myth, it’s Chefchaouen. Located in northern Morocco, the city’s color is a plethora of soothing blues that lower your blood pressure in seconds. The buildings in Chefchaouen, known as Morocco’s “Blue Pearl” or “Blue City”, are painted with a talc or chalk paint that is so beguiling. Exploring a labyrinth of narrow, blue lanes that smell of spices, frankincense, flowers and fresh oranges – that was one of the highlights of my trip to Morocco. And it is the dream of a photographer! Here are some tips and suggestions for activities in Chefchaouen.

Why is Chefchaouen blue?

Some will tell you that it is a symbol of Jewish solidarity. In the 1930s, a large number of Jewish refugees came to Chefchaouen, who had to flee the persecution by the Nazis and the growing threat of war. The blue should represent peace, security and the power of the sky. In this version of the story, blue walls quickly spread out of the Jewish quarter of the city until the whole city shone. Kalam Farigh! others would say (this is Arabic for “nonsense”). You’ll say that the tradition of painting walls in blue is certainly Jewish, but dates back to the time of the city’s founding in the 15th century, when it was built around a fortress used to defend inhabitants against Portuguese invaders. At that time, local Moroccans lived alongside Jews and Moriscos (former Muslims who had converted to Christianity) for a century or more.

View from the Spanish Mosque Trail

Explore the blue city

The narrow streets of Chefchaouen (or Chaouen, as the locals call it) do not try to mitigate the impact of the hill on which the city is built. In some cases, stone steps march up the slope and give your legs a good workout. But when the streets open into public spaces, look over the city towards the nearby reef mountains. The mountains above the city seem to have two horns – and it is believed that the name Chefchaouen comes from here (literally “Listen to the horns” in a local dialect). But the rest of the time, look around. This is a breathtakingly beautiful city! It transports you to another world.

Activities in Chefchaouen

Shopping in the medina

Because of this, most travelers head to Chefchaouen to wander aimlessly through the narrow streets and alleys painted in an endless variety of blue – turquoise, powder blue, celeste, robins, indigo, cyan, evergreen. Buy colorful blankets or lamps in the souks that are hidden throughout the medina. Admire the variety of beautiful doors and detailed tile work that adorn each residence. Sit in a sidewalk café, order a glass of mint tea and watch djellaba robes dress locals in their daily lives. Soak up everything – the whole Moroccan experience.

Get your kitty fix in Chefchaouen

Go Cat Spotting If you’re a cat like me, you’ll love Chefchaouen. It’s certainly a cat town – a bit like Istanbul. Locals feed them, but they usually live on the streets as strays. You’ll find cats in alleys, cats on the stairs and cats in the souks. Cats will roam through restaurants and terraces. They hide in trees and bushes and stretch on sidewalks. If you want to attract the attention of a cat in Morocco, try to hiss. It’s a great way to make her pose for photos! Meow.

Rock The Kasbah

Kasbah fortress museum Be sure to visit the grand Kasbah fortress and 15th-century dungeon located on the main square of Chefchaouen – Place Outa el Hammam. It’s pretty easy to find this red-walled structure under all the blue buildings. The Kasbah was built in 1471 by Mulay Ali Ben Mussa Ben Rached and has a beautiful garden and a small ethnographic museum. Climb the towers and enjoy the great views of the city and the Great Mosque. The Kasbah was built in Andalusian-Maghrebian style to defend Chefchaouen from attacks by the Portuguese and Spaniards. The entrance costs only 1 Euro! It is absolutely worth a visit.

Lost in Chefchaouen

Stay in a riad “Riad” comes from the Arabic word for “garden” and refers to the space in the center of these traditional Moroccan guesthouses open to the sky, usually with a water fountain. Most rooms in a riad point inward into this room, the symbolic heart of the house – and when you open your door in the morning, you will find the sunlight streaming into the building. The distant sounds of Morocco are filtered through the hole in the ceiling. You will hear movement, the clinking of morning dorm be prepared, the Arab call to prayer and the rhythms of life outside. It’s all very relaxing.

The horns above Chefchaouen

Spanish mosque hike There is an old Spanish mosque on a hill overlooking the blue city built by the Spaniards in the 1920s. The kilometer long hike leads past prickly pears and agave cactuses – with a wonderful view of Chefchaouen at the top. Because the mosque is abandoned, non-Muslims are allowed to go in and have a look. Make sure you bring water, as it gets hot on a sunny day. The route to the mosque leads across the Ras el & # 39; Ma River, where women from the region traditionally do their laundry in cold mountain water. The hike takes about 45 minutes.

The city of Blau

Visit a hammam With a cleansing ritual that has not changed for centuries, you will be steamed, sweated, shaken and scrubbed while visiting the hammam until you feel like every inch of your skin has been upgraded. The public hammam is opposite the main mosque, Jama’a Kabir, and there are different visiting hours for men and women. You must also first go shopping for your own plastic sandals, soap, shower scrub and towel. The hammam experience is an integral part of life in Morocco!

Morocco’s Riffberge

Kif excursion The blue town of Chefchaouen has a long history of hippie culture and hashish production – the most basic and traditional form of marijuana THC concentrate. Morocco is the world leader. They may be offered a farm tour, where they will drive you out of town to the marijuana fields and demonstrate how they produce Hash from Kif, THC crystals that are extracted from the plant. Be careful … It is illegal in Morocco, even in a place like Chefchaouen, to produce, trade and smoke hash. Always remember that you could be arrested if discovered. Or blackmailed by the police for money.

Beautiful Cascades of Akchour

Cascades Akchour is a path that leads to a pair of waterfalls in the Rif Mountains. You will need a taxi to get to the starting point, and sturdy shoes for this 2-3 hour hike. The path is full of lush green vegetation, an interesting natural stone bridge called the “God’s Bridge”, and a beautiful bathing cave with a waterfall as a reward at the end. Along the way you will find makeshift “cafes” serving Moroccan food and tea during this long and steep hike. It’s nice, but a bit touristy.

Vegetable Couscous was delicious!

Eating Moroccan food One of the main reasons why someone should travel to Morocco is the fantastic food, and you can find all your favorites in the Blue City. Browse kefta (lamb meatballs), tagines (slow-cooked stews in clay pots) and mountains of couscous. Oranges and orange juice is a big thing in Morocco – and delicious. A freshly squeezed glass costs only 4 dirhams ($ 0.40). I could not get enough! Hot mint tea in Morocco is a sign of hospitality, friendship and tradition. It’s one of the tastiest delicacies you’ll find in the country, with a rich flavor you will not find anywhere else.

Traditional pastel colors

Steep Cobblestone Streets

Come to Chefchaouen Chefchaouen lies on the edge of the Rif Mountains in the far north – and the only road that crosses the road is a rocky landscape that is surprisingly lush and green in summer. rental car RentalCars.com searches all major car rental companies and finds the best price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a car in Morocco. Driving in Morocco can sometimes be a bit crazy, but it is a relatively easy journey of 115 km (about 2 hours drive) from Tangier. I recommend a parking garage and explore the old town on foot. By bus The cheapest way to Chfchaouen is by bus. There are several buses a day from cities such as Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Ceuta. The main tourist bus company is CTM. From Tangier, visit Gate Routiere (Place Al Jamía Al Arabia) and look for the next bus – there are usually at least two trips a day, with one departing at noon. The fare to Chefchaouen is 45 dirhams (5 USD). With the taxi Morocco is full of unauthorized or semi-legal taxis driven by people who have a purpose in life: to get as much money from tourists as possible. The standard fare for a one-way private taxi ride from Tangier to Chefchaouen should be in the range of 300-500 dirhams ($ 31- $ 52). From Marrakech Take the night train from Marrakech to Tangier, then continue to Chefchaouen by bus or taxi. The train leaves Marrakech at 21:00 and arrives in Tangier at 7:25. There are sleeping cabins available.

  Even the stairs are blue!

Where to stay in Chefchaouen

There are many hotels in Chefchaouen, but you will miss it if you do not stay in a traditional Moroccan riad. It’s like a mixture of a private townhouse, a hotel and a European bed and breakfast. We stayed at Riad Assilah Chaouen – and loved it. If you’re wondering where to stay in Chefchaouen, Morocco, here are my recommendations:

BUDGET

Hotel Abi Khancha

Great location, but small rooms. Cool roof terrace. Check prices / read reviews

BUDGET

Dar Antonio

Nice hostel, good wireless connection and good value for money in the medina. Check prices / read reviews

CENTRAL MECHANISM

Riad Assilah Chaouen

Friendly staff and comfortable rooms. Nice common area. Check prices / read reviews

LUXURY

Riad Gharnata

Classic looking Moroccan riad, very romantic place.

An explosion of color

Chefchaouen travel tips

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times due to the weather, but the crowds are also big. The summer is usually so hot that even the locals do not stay here. Morocco is a Muslim country – therefore conservative clothing is recommended. Chefchaoen is a bit more liberal than other cities, but showing too much leg or mid-rift will attract unwanted attention. At night it can be quite cold in the Riff Mountains, so bring something warm like a sweater or a light jacket. Local store owners are expected to overstate the price – always try to negotiate a better deal for souvenirs. Except when eating, as it is already super cheap and no haggling is necessary. Many people only come for a day trip to Chefchaoen, but I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days here. It was one of my favorite stays in Morocco. Many locals in Chefchaouen actually speak Spanish, unlike the more common Arabic and French in the rest of the country.

This is a city designed to keep you on track for the right reasons. Whatever is going on in your life, especially when you are tired of traveling, Chefchaouen wants you to put your feet up, drink mint tea and just make it delicious. Then, when you’re ready, you can walk inside the old city walls and let the medina take over. In a land known as a bit chaotic, the blue town of Chefchaouen is a pleasant oasis. ★ EXTRA INFORMATION Location: Chefchaouen, Morocco Helpful Hints: I think Chefchaouen was my favorite city in Morocco. It’s a lot more relaxed than the rest of the country (probably everything has to do with the hash). It is a bit out of the way but worth a visit. Especially if you like photography. Recommended Travel Guide: Lonely Planet Morocco Suggested reading: In the Arabian Nights

Do you have questions about visiting Chefchaouen? Have you ever heard of this blue city? Write me a message in the comments below!

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Sao Tome, visiting the southern part and crossing the equator on the island of Rolas.

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The equator sign on the island of Rolas

The southern part of Sao Tome & Principe is probably the most touristy part of Sao Tome, if one can say that the island counts about 13 000 tourists per year. The only country that can not agree with these figures in Africa is the tiny Comorian country with around 24,000 visitors each year. Another great country that I visited recently. Click here to read about this gem of the East African coast, one of the best places to swim with whales in the world. In the southern part of Sao Tome you will find the old abandoned Portuguese hospital, one of the most popular beaches in the country around Santana, the Cão Grande volcano tower, the symbol of Sao Tome & Principe, and the Praia Jale turtle sanctuary.

One of the beautiful beaches along the south coast, without people And you can cross the equator at Rolas Island. And since it is only 74 km from the city of Sao Tome to the southern end of the highway in Porto Alegre, it is easy to visit all of the above sites in a single day on a day trip from the capital. Sao Tome has only 140 km of paved roads around the island. The quality of the road in the southern part of the country is impeccable compared to the northern part, which is littered everywhere with potholes. If you would travel directly from Sao Tome City to Porto Alegre with shared taxis, it would only take you about one and a half hours. It’s easy and dirt cheap to take a shared taxi, but you’ll miss all the sights along the way as most of them are a short detour from the main road. The road passes through a virgin forest. The car I had for the day. So much better, if you rent a car for 40-50 euros a day or rent a car with an english speaking driver for 80 euros a day, I went for the second option. Driving yourself would have been very easy because of the quality of the road and the small number of other cars on the way. I’ve probably seen less than 50 cars all day. Renting a car with a driver is good, as he knows a few detours along the way to visit a waterfall, viewpoints and beaches without people. I was glad that I chose this option. There are a few options for accommodation along the south coast, such as Santana Club, Praia Jale, Praia Inhame Eco Lodge (from where you take the boat to Rolas Island) and Rolas Island are the two best options. The accommodation options are great, located on pristine beaches, but also very expensive and difficult to reach by public transport. So, if you are on a budget, you are much better off to visit all the places on a day trip from Sao Tome City. No stress. A sign on the southern part of the island. The old abandoned hospital of Roca Agua Ize, when the first town along the south coast about 17 km / 10.5 miles south of Sao Tome City. Roca Agua Ize was once one of the largest cocoa plantations (2,900 hectares) in Sao Tome & Principe. Today, the plantation itself is abandoned, but back then, when the plantations were fully operational, there were more than 50 European workers and about 2,500 locals. The plantation itself is a museum today, but it was closed during my visit.

Água Izé village.

A local bar in the village where I was waiting for a beer.

The local workers had their own village, which is still inhabited by locals, and it had its own hospital, built in 1928. At that time it was considered the State of Art Hospital and the best in West Africa. Today, the ruins of the hospital have become one of the most famous sights of Sao Tome & Principe.

The “famous” old hospital in Roca Agua Ize.

Drone Photo of the Roca Agua Ize Hospital.

Drone Photo of Roca Agua Ize Hospital.

  Locals live in the old hospital.

Old bed in the hospital.

Just a few minutes south of Roca Agua Ize is another famous place, the “Boca de Inferno” or better known as Hell’s Mouth in English. A cliff from the sea and a natural wonder, as the locals say. The place takes its name from the sound made by the waves of the sea, constantly hitting the rocks. It’s a good place for a quick stop to enjoy a fresh coconut coconut that sells men here.

Boca de Inferno or better known as Hell’s Mouth.

The city of São João dos Angolares is the largest city on the south coast with around 2500 inhabitants. The city itself is not much, but it houses one of the best if not the best restaurant in the country and an old cocoa plantation that has now been turned into an amazing eco-friendly guest house on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean. I myself did not have the change to eat here, as the restaurant was full when I wanted to visit, but everyone I meet boasted about the food here. Only 15/20 minutes drive south of São João dos Angolares is the most famous place of Sao Tome & Principe is the volcano tower known as Pico Cao Grande 668m (2,192 ft) or “Great Dog Peak” is one of the most impressive of the nature rocks anywhere in the To raise the world was the main reason why I wanted to visit Sao Tome & Principe after seeing a picture of this rock.

Road towards Pico Cão Grande.

Pico Cão Grande, from one of the viewpoints,

if you want to get closer, you must make a full day hike

  Close-up with Pico Cão Grande.

Pico Gao Grande can be seen from the main road, but there are a few better viewpoints along the way. If you plan in advance, you can do a 3km hike through the dense jungle to the foot of Pico Gao Grande. The trail is not marked so you need to hire a local guide in advance. I was told that it would cost 40 euros for a whole day. I would have done that if I had known. Pico Gao Grande was first climbed in 1975 by a Portuguese mountaineering team. In June 2016, a group of climbers from England founded the first climbing route on the summit. The track is considered extremely long and technically very demanding, the increase is rated 5.13b (F8a) or harder. Abit further south is the waterfall of Cascata De Praia Pesqueria, it is 10 min along a dirt road and the main road, and a place I would never find without my guide. This is a great place for a quick dip to cool off and there is a big change that will be accompanied by some young native children.

The waterfall of Cascata De Praia Pesqueria.

Local kids drive me while I swim.

Native children were swimming downstream from the waterfall.

Further down the coast is the small town of Porto Alegre, the last town on the south coast of Sao Tome, the town itself has not gotten anything. But on the western outskirts there is an old rusted tank. But Praia Inhame Eco Lodge is nearby, hundreds of turtles lay their eggs on the beach during the season, but no one was there during my visit. If you have your own vehicle, the Praia Inhame Eco Lodge is a great place to stay (no public transport here), if you pass by it is a great place to have a cold drink and a meal. The lodge is almost directly on a beautiful beach. Here you can also take a small boat to Rolas Island.

The beach of Praia Inhame Eco Lodge.

The 20-minute boat ride to Rolas Island costs 35 euros for a return trip, the boat is a small fishing boat, and the ride can be rough, if there are waves, we had trouble getting ashore from the waves. Get ready to get wet.

A local boat takes you to Rolas Island.

On the island of Rola you will cross the equator. There is a 20-minute easy walk to the equator mark. You get out of your small boat in a small village. “Fun Fact” The equatorial line is actually not in the equatorial mark through the village. If you want to stay in Rolas Island, the Pestana Equator is a 4-star resort, prices start at 230 euros per night with full board. The resort has a large pool, a bar and a diving center.

The equator’s mark on the island of Rolas.

Equator Park at Rolas Island.

The only hotel on the island of Rola.

Drone photograph of Rolas Island

Overlooking the main island of Sao Tome, taken with my DJI Mavic Drone. I’m pretty sure I’ve covered all the highlights along the south coast of Sao Tome in this post, every spot in this post was on a long day trip from Sao Tome City, my guide picked me up at 6am and I was back in my pension at 19 o’clock again.

Sunset on the way home to Sao Tome.

Guide to road trip along the south coast of Sao Tome a small country in West Africa, and to cross the equator on Rolas Island.

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Suggest the most romantic places in the world

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When it comes to planning your long-awaited proposal, choosing the perfect target is half the battle. Instead of settling for a generic environment, take a look at our list of the most breathtaking places around the world to ask!

15 of the most romantic places to suggest

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

Do you know these colorful cliff villages overlooking the ocean that you see in photos and travel sites everywhere? This is Cinque Terre, a cluster of small towns on the west coast of Italy. Cinque Terre is a sought after destination for old and young, adventurous and luxurious travelers – an ideal place to visit! Take a rowboat on the water, plan a romantic dinner in an open-air restaurant, or kneel right on the beach. No matter in which place, in one of the most picturesque areas of Italy you can not go wrong. Where to stay: Park Hotel Argento, Relais San Rocco, Grand Hotel Dei Castelli

  2. New York, New York

If you have not been, nothing calls for a trip to NYC like a surprise suggestion. The beautifully lit skyline at sunset makes the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge an obvious choice, while the Central Park’s Bow Bridge – featured in almost every iconic New York movie – has a serene and magical feel. You can even find a saxophonist playing at the Empire State Building after 10pm (9pm in the winter) if you are really looking for a “go big” or “go home” moment! Where to stay: The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, the Marlton Hotel

  3. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is perhaps one of the most unique island destinations in the world – perfect for a truly unique proposal. I would recommend scouting wineries for the perfect location (Santo Wines Winery and Venetsanos Winery are two of my favorites), though private oceanfront villas and suites give you the perfect opportunity to cook a home-cooked meal and set the mood for an intimate and memorable moment. Where to stay: Strogili, Day Dream Luxury Suites

  4. Venice, Italy

Venice could be somewhat predictable, but with good reason. With its narrow canals, Venetian Gothic architecture, and dreamy lanterns that illuminate the streets at dusk, it’s no wonder we could not keep it off our list! While opting for the timeless gondola ride, you can also get creative and explore the ideas of St. Mark’s Square in front of the Basilica, the entrance to the Church of San Georgio Maggiore or a traditional Venetian Michelin Star restaurant. Where to stay: Arcadia Boutique Hotel, Ca’Della Corte

  5. Island Mljet, Croatia

Pack a picnic and sail from Dubrovnik to Croatia’s greenest island Mljet – a secluded national park rich in hiking trails and hidden coves. You can explore the island by bike (which I highly recommend!) And then swim in one of the two saltwater lakes. Any place on this lush, wooded island is worth a suggestion, so it’s best not to plan a precise location and find the perfect location! Where to stay: Villa Evita Apartments, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace (Dubrovnik), Hotel More (Dubrovnik)

  6. Geirangerfjord, Norway

Geirangerfjord is something of a fantasy, a place you never thought could exist outside of your dreams; Nevertheless, this stunning place in Norway is easily reached on foot or by kayak and is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. Settling on one knee, surrounded by the bird’s eye views and falling waterfalls of the fjord, would be nothing short of impressive and so original that you never suspect it is coming! Where to stay: Valldal Fjordhotell

7th Sunset Cliffs, California California is an obvious candidate in the competition for “Best Proposal Destinations,” though Sunset Cliffs outside of San Diego is a sight that simply can not be compared to the rest. Year round perfect weather makes this a great location for even winter suggestions, and the magazine-worthy panorama scene overlooking the deep blue Pacific is as idyllic as it gets! Its central location also makes it easy to hire a hidden photographer to capture the moment. Where to Stay: The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

8. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

If you want to cross the pond to Ireland, there is only one option: in the Cliffs of Moher. Whether on the edge of the coastal cliffs themselves or at the O & # 39; Brien & # 39; s Tower, there could not be a wilder setting than the Irish coast! Where to stay: Cliffs of Moher Hotel, House Cappabhaile

  9. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

There are many tropical islands that would be enough for the special day, but the enchanting Anse Chastanet beach of St. Lucia is the definition of paradise! Scuba or snorkel the reef, enjoy the black sand and enjoy the lush landscape that is only accompanied by Indonesia. Better yet, book a few nights at the stunning Anse Chastanet Resort for a proposal you will never forget! Where To Stay: Anse Chastanet Resort, Fond Doux Plantation & Resort, Boucan of Hotel Chocolat

  10. Paris, France

The city of love got its nickname somehow, right? The language alone is enough to melt you, but asking the question in a truly iconic place – like the Eiffel Tower or in front of the Louvre – is a story that is memorable enough to keep recreating it for a lifetime tell. Other equally worthy ideas could kneel beneath the Arc de Triomphe or beside the storybook, tree-lined Medici Fountain! Where to stay: Hotel Brighton, Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE, Hotel Rendez Vous Batignolles

  11. Kauai, Hawaii

A sunset proposal under Hanakāpī & # 39; ai Falls on the stunning Na Pali Coast? Unbeatable. In a versatile place like Kauai, you have the choice between hikes, swimming holes or even helicopter rides for the perfect moment! At the opposite end of the island is Fern Grotto, one of Hawaii’s hidden jewels and best-kept secrets – another breathtaking setting that’s only for the best encounters. Accommodation: Hotel Coral Reef (Farn Grotto), Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas (Na Pali Coast)

  12. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon alone is impressive enough for a spectacular moment on one knee, though Havasu Falls offers you the best of both worlds – the beauty of the bright blue waters and the amazing natural wonders of the carved canyons. Note: To get a permit for the camp in the park, you must reserve a full year in advance. Camping without a permit may be tempting, but it’s not likely to be caught by Rangers and face heavy fines. Where to stay: Grand Canyon Western Ranch, the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

13. Barcelona, ​​Spain

This European hub for vibrant culture, art, food and architecture offers endless choices. You can also find a very cheap flight to Barcelona from the States, making this a great, inexpensive international destination! A few well-respected places worthy of such an extraordinary event are the Parc Güell – known for its mosaics – the Tibidabo Basilica, the magical fountain of Montjuïc at night and, of course, the Sagrada Familia. Where To Stay: Iberostar Paseo de Gracia, Pulitzer Hotel

  14. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Alberta has become a popular destination in recent years, and understandably; All it takes is a photo to see that your own Banff National Park really is heaven on earth. For a nature lover, the elegance of North America’s most picturesque lake – Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped Canadian Rocky Mountains – might be the quietest place to start a beautiful lifelong journey. Whether it’s an aerial photo trail, canoe or ice skating in its winter landscape, Lake Louise is a perfectly perfect location. Where To Stay: Baker Creek Mountain Resort, Fairmont Château Lake Louise

  15. Queenstown, New Zealand

A Hot Air Balloon Engagement is one for the truly adventurous couple – one who can appreciate wrapping two unique experiences into an exciting ride! There are few places in the world where you can do this, and Queenstown is probably one of the best. The varied landscapes of land, sea and mountain create a surreal atmosphere two thousand feet in fresh New Zealand air, especially in the early morning hours of the sunrise! Where to stay: The Schluchten-B & B, the Rees-Hotel u. The luxury apartments

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The ultimate travel route for Morocco in 10 days + Tips

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A tour of Morocco is special, impressive and active. Put it high on your bucket list if you are interested in other cultures. It is a country with beautiful and versatile nature, beautiful architecture and perfect roads for road tripping. On the way you drive through the most enchanting landscapes and special cities. Of course you can make a city trip to Morocco but it is even more fun to make a small tour. Already in about 10 days you can see and do a lot. In this article we share the ultimate travel route for Morocco and a lot of useful travel tips with you.

The itinerary for Morocco

We have completed this itinerary in 10 days. If you want to have a little more time everywhere, you can easily stick a few days and for example take 2 weeks for this trip. Below you see a map with the itinerary and you can read about all the destinations on the itinerary and what stops you can make on the way.

Determine route direction Of course this itinerary could also have been the other way around, by starting in Marrakech and flying back from Casablanca. This can depend on the prices of airline tickets, because that can save a lot. The different routes also have advantages and disadvantages. If you start the journey in Casablanca then your first destination is Chefchaouen. You can then get used to Moroccan life and culture. It is a quiet town and especially when you are traveling in low season, this is a nice place to start. If you then travel to Fez you will understand something more of the culture and this city will be a little less overwhelming. If you start this journey in Marrakech, this busy city can be a bit overwhelming and touristy, but then your journey will only become more beautiful because the places you visit will be much quieter and more authentic.

Travel with a rental car through Morocco

A rental car is perfect for when you want to make a tour of Morocco. Of course you can also take this route by public transport but with a rental car you have the freedom to go wherever you want. The roads in Morocco are very good. The highways are toll roads and they are well maintained, but the rest of the normal roads are all very neat. It was not too busy with us, and certainly not on the roads between the cities. Sometimes you did not see anyone for a long time, so it’s nice and quiet driving. Well we were there in Ramadan, so perhaps this has made a difference. In the cities driving was also a good thing to do, because you often had to park on the outskirts of the city. You are probably going to calculate your routes with a navigation system. Keep in mind that you always calculate extra travel time if you are going to make a calculation of your route. A wrong drive, traffic jam or a detour are some of those examples that will cost you extra time. Below is the travel time and the number of kilometers for each route. Tip: Through Rentalcars.com you can compare all providers and find the cheapest rental car easily.

Casablanca

Casablanca is a destination where you can fly cheaply. In that respect, a perfect place to start your trip through Morocco. You can choose to pick up your car directly at the airport when you book your rental car. Depending on how late you arrive, you can drive straight to Chefchaouen or decide to stay overnight in Casablanca. The city is not very special so we have chosen to skip it. Do you have a few hours in Casablanca then you have to visit the Hassan II mosque. This is the largest mosque in the country and the 7th largest mosque in the world.

Chefchaouen

According to Google Maps it is 4.5 hours from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, but we still do over 5.5 hours. You have to pay toll on this route, so make sure you always have some small change with you. You pay 10 to 25 dirham per throat (€ 0.90 to € 2.20). Arriving in Chefchaouen you see with your own eyes ‘the blue city’. You’ve probably seen a lot of stories and pictures of this city, but until you see it with your own eyes, you do not believe that everything here is really blue. It is a quiet town where you can stroll through the narrow streets in the shade. Many tourists skip Chefchaouen because it is not on the route to Fez. Super sin because it is definitely worth it to drive. The city is not big and you can see it all in one day, so depending on how late you arrive and leave, you can opt for one or two nights here. Travel time Casablanca to Chefchaouen: 5.5 hours drive – 338 km

Fez

Fez is a completely different world. In this fairytale city you imagine yourself back in time and in the old medina it is impossible not to get lost. It is advisable to park your car in a guarded parking lot just outside the medina and to agree a price with the people in the parking lot. You often pay per night, so make sure they do not let you pay for the number of days when you pick up the car again. You can discover Fez well in two days. It is fun to spend a day with a guide who can tell you everything about the city. The guide guides you through the city and takes you deeper into the medina. For example, you visit a tannery and hidden places in the city, such as an authentic carpet weaving shop. Also read our article with tips for Fez. Travel time Chefchaouen to Fez: 3.5 hours drive – 201 km

Merzouga

On to the desert! The final destination today is Merzouga, and the journey from Fez takes about 8 hours. Make sure you follow your tank on time at a gas station, because it may take a while before you come across one again. It is a long drive but also a beautiful one because of the many different landscapes that Morocco has. From forests – with here and there a monkey on the road – you suddenly drive through a green valley and after a while you will encounter nothing but bare agricultural plains. Between all these beautiful landscapes, small villages are hidden, one ghostly deserted and the other busy with hundreds of people at the local market. After a long drive you arrive in Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Sahara. Many companies are located here that offer tours to the desert and there are a number of hotels. Furthermore, it is dry, bare and deserted, but that makes little difference since the journey from here goes to the Sahara. You can leave your luggage at the hotel and bring only the things you really need in the desert. If you travel in the summer months, you do not have to bring warm clothes. It is a myth that it is always cold in the desert at night. At the end of the day you step on the back of a camel (or often a dromedary) and you continue wobbling and further into the impressive desert. Before sunset you arrive in the tent camp and here you get the chance to explore the area. Maybe you can try to sandboard and otherwise sit on a sand dune and look around fantastic enough. When it gets dark, you still enjoy a meal under the breathtaking starry sky and the next morning you get up early to see the sunrise. Later in the morning you are back in Merzouga. Travel time Fez to Merzouga: 8 hours drive – 464 km

Tip: Extra night in Merzouga Many people travel directly to their next destination after this overnight stay in the Sahara. If you have a tight schedule is not preventable, but it is still highly recommended to book an extra night in a hotel so you can relax. The ride in the desert is very impressive and exhausting, so spending an extra day at the pool to rest well is not wrong either.

Ouarzazate through the Todra Gorge

On the beautiful route to Ouarzazate it is great to make a stop at the Todra Gorge. This is a very nice gorge to walk through and it is great to take a walk on your warm feet through the icy water on a hot day. Ouarzazate is a great place to stay, but do not expect too much because in Ouarzazate there is not much to do. Ouarzazate is also known as the ‘hollywood’ of Morocco because it houses the largest film studio in the world: Atlas Studios. It is therefore nice to take a look at some old decors. But if you do not have time for this, then it is not a disaster to skip it. Route Merzouga to Ouarzazate via the Todra Gorge: 6 hours drive – 368 km

Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

The next morning you start early on the trip to Marrakech. On the route to Marrakech you will pass Ait Ben Haddou, the city where many scenes from Game of Thrones are recorded. If you are a fan, you probably recognize things but even if you are not, it is a nice town to walk through.

It is about 5 hours drive to Marrakech. Probably it is quite a task to find your hotel in this city because in many streets you can not come by car. It is therefore convenient to ask the owner of the hotel where you can park nearby and perhaps even if someone can pick you up. There will be enough people willing to help you with lugging your bags and leading the way but chances are they will ask you (too much) money for their help. Refuse this therefore or agree on a price in advance. There are some nice spots in Marrakech that you should not miss. Be sure to visit Ben Youssef Madrasa and Le Jardin Majorelle. Marrakech has many trendy hotspots to enjoy a drink or to go out for dinner, for example at a rooftop bar. In addition, you can also shop very well so all in all it is advisable to stay here for a few days. Travel time Ouarzazate to Marrakech: 4.5 hours drive – 196 km

Tip: The nicest addresses on this itinerary If you are going to make a tour in Morocco you will book a hotel in different places. When selecting a hotel, it is important to keep an eye on the check-in times, because they can sometimes throw your (tight) travel plan into disarray. Are you already at 10 am at your destination but you can only check in at 3 pm, it can be very annoying and take a lot of time. You can of course also adjust your travel plan to the check-in times of the hotels or simply assume that you can drop your luggage somewhere. Morocco has a lot of beautiful hotels. It’s nice to have a lot of choice, but sometimes you can not see the forest for the trees anymore. We always look for the most pleasant and unique hotels to stay during our travels. For this itinerary we have also made an overview of our favorite addresses in Morocco. All fine hotels to stay!

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Our favorite hotels in Morocco

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Morocco has a lot of nice hotels. It’s nice to have a lot of choice, but sometimes you can not see the forest for the trees anymore. What are your requirements? Do you want luxury, do you go for cheap or do you crave a central location? To help you get started we have made a list with our favorite hotels in Morocco, so the choice might be a little easier. These are always special places where we have had a good time ourselves or good tips from other Dutch travelers. Tip: If you are going to make a tour in Morocco, you will book a hotel in different places. When selecting a hotel, it is important to keep an eye on the check-in times, because they can sometimes throw your (tight) travel plan into disarray. Are you already at 10 am at your destination but you can only check in at 3 pm, it can be very annoying and take a lot of time. You can of course also adjust your travel plan to the check-in times of the hotels or simply assume that you can drop your luggage somewhere.

Hotel Dar Sababa

This small hotel is hidden between the blue walls of the city. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of Chefchaouen on the roof terrace (see photo above). After a day strolling through the city, this is a wonderful place to rest and recover from all impressions. The hotel is not big and fairly basic, as are the rooms. There is air conditioning and breakfast is included. Please note that parking at the hotel is not possible because no car traffic is possible in the old city. Parking is not far from the hotel. Double room from € 37 More information Alternative: Is Hotel Dar Sababa already fully booked? A good alternative is Dar Swiar. At a 100 meter walk from the Outa El Hammam square you will find this cute little hotel. The rooms are large and here you have a great view of the city from the roof terrace. The staff is very helpful and can help you, for example, to arrange a bus ticket.

Hotel tips for Fez

  Hotel Dar Essoaoude

This small hotel is hidden in the middle of the old medina. Without assistance you will most probably not find this place, so try to arrange with the hotel that you will be picked up or have a local show you the way (against payment). Dar Essoaoude is a hotel with only 3 rooms and a very sweet hostess. She serves tea on arrival, prepares breakfast in the morning and can arrange a guide to show you the city. The riad has beautiful mosaic and woodwork and it is well maintained. There seems to be a small pool, but it serves more as a pond than swimming in it. The room is very neat and air-conditioned. Double room from € 39 More information Alternative: Another very nice hotel in Fez is Dar Borj. This palace is also located in the middle of the medina and the rooms are incredibly nicely decorated in Moroccan style. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace and this hotel is also a great base to explore Fez. Hotel tips for Merzouga (Sahara)

Moda Camp The offer for overnight stays in the desert is gigantic, with huge price differences ranging from 10 to 400 euros per person per night. If you are going for the luxury variants, you can expect an Instagram Walhalla: beautiful, luxury tents with private bathrooms and real beds. With a budget version you have to do it with less luxury, but of course it is just as good a great experience to sleep in the Sahara. Moda Camp has basic tents but they meet everything and the staff is very nice. On the back of a camel you head towards the tent camp, where you will be served a delicious dinner and the next day also a breakfast. If you are going to book this tent camp, bring your own travel fitted sheet because on some beds there is only a mattress and a blanket. Double tent from € 15 More information Alternative: Still looking for some more luxury in the Sahara? Then Golden Camp is perfect. These are stylish tents with good beds, a nice bathroom and the service can hardly be better. Everything is arranged for an unforgettable experience in the desert.

Hotel tips for Merzouga

Kasbah Azalay

After a tiring journey through the Sahara, Kasbah Azalay is a nice place for a break. This hotel has a lovely swimming pool with sunbeds and views of the sand dunes of the Sahara. In low season it can be very quiet here and chances are you have the swimming pool all to yourself. Because there is nothing in the area except desert, you have lunch and dinner at the hotel, no punishment is happy. Make sure you have enough cash with you when you head towards Merzouga, because you can not pin in this hotel. Double room from € 48 More information Alternative: Hotel Riad Ali is also a very good choice if you want to rest from your stay in the Sahara. This Riad is located on the edge of the desert, there is a lovely pool and you do not have to leave the house for good food.

Hotel tips for Ouarzazate

Kasbah Dar Daif

This is a nice place for a stopover in Ouarzazate. The hotel is a small pink castle and so is the interior inside as well. The rooms are luxurious, nice and big and there is air conditioning. If you are traveling in low season then you have the chance to get a free upgrade because the hotel has few guests. Furthermore, the hotel has a small swimming pool and a beautiful courtyard with lots of greenery. A small oasis in no man’s land. Here too, lunch and dinner are served because there are no restaurants in the area. Double room from € 23 More information Alternative: An alternative to Kasbah Dar Daif is Maison d’hôtes Dar Farhan. This is a beautiful hotel and you will be looking forward to your eyes. Think of a nice swimming pool, nice courtyard and nice rooms. You will receive a warm welcome and everything is taken care of down to the last detail. Hotel tips for Marrakech

Riad Farhan

This is truly a pearl in the middle of the medina of Marrakech! The rooms are beautifully decorated and the bathroom looks like a fairytale. There is a super relaxed roof terrace with many nice seating areas where you can relax after a busy day in Marrakech. There is also a nice swimming pool and the good-humored staff are at your service every moment of the day. Riad Farhan is a two minute walk from the famous Djemaa el Fna square. In short, this is a really great hotel in Marrakech where you never want to leave. Double room from € 30 More information Alternative: Are you still looking for something cheaper? A super alternative is Riad Villa Wenge Spa. Here too you have a lovely roof terrace with a jacuzzi. There are rooms in different price range so you can tailor your stay to your own budget.

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Overnight in New Zealand between the locals

New Zealand with the locals

Do you want to fly to the other side of the world to discover New Zealand? Avoid ending up in a much too expensive hotel full of tourists and book a restful overnight stay among the locals. Then you experience the country at its best! To get in the mood, we have put the 6 most unique locations in a row for you. New Zealand is the land of the multifaceted natural phenomena, the film decor of Lord of the Rings and the destination where you are welcomed with open arms by the local people – the Kiwis and the Maori. Therefore, an overnight stay between the locals should not be absent during your tour! These are 6 very special places to spend the night in New Zealand – specially selected by TravelEssence.

1. Staying at SkyScape: looking at stars on the South Island

Set course for SkyScape and leave the civilized world! This cottage is located in the Mackenzie region – one of the darkest places on earth – and is surrounded only by nature: from the Southern Alps to Mount John. The accommodation was not given the name ‘SkyScape’ for nothing: the cottage is made of glass, including a glass ceiling, so you can linger uninterrupted to the starry sky above you. Chances are you will not even sleep. Upon arrival you will be warmly welcomed by Bridget and Bevan. They stay in the New Zealand farm, where the accommodation is part of. So you also experience life on a New Zealand farm during your vacation! Here there are no less than 1,200 sheep and 150 cattle, which you can admire during a 4WD tour.

2. Wake up with a sea view at Butterfly Bay

Nothing is as nice as waking up to the gentle murmur of the waves and the refreshing scent of the sea. That becomes reality at Butterfly Bay. The lodge is located on the North Island, at Whangaroa Harbor, and overlooks the sea due to its high location. You do not share your paradise on the coast with strangers: the accommodation is surrounded by gigantic Pohutukawa trees and you have a private beach. Yet you are not completely alone … There are innumerable butterflies living in this environment. Because of the combination of the wind, heat and absence of people, the largest butterfly reserve in Australia and Asia is here. The lodge has a kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a terrace with barbecue. In short; you are fully equipped during your stay.

3. Adventure and culinary delights at Silverpine Lodge

High in the mountains near the town of Makarora – where you are surrounded only by nature – is Silverpine Lodge. Here, nature lovers get their heart out: from the lodge you look out over Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, the beautiful lakes of the South Island. This area is therefore ideal for fishing and hiking trips. You can also take a helicopter ride over the Mount Aspiring National Park or join a hike to the famous Franz Josef Glacier. At the end of such an adventurous day you want to be able to relax. Pop down on your own veranda or join your hosts Mike and Sue; they are known for their culinary delights, prepared with local products such as fresh fish and game from the surrounding forests.

4. Te Papa Eco Cottage

Also at Te Papa Eco Cottage you can completely relax: here you let the outdoor pool fill up to relax and enjoy the view of the riverbed of Waikato River. The property is located high in the hills, near the milk farm of Kim and Stu. The cottage is not only special because of the location, but also because of the ‘limitations’. There are no power sockets in the house and you can not use Wi-Fi. You are literally disconnected from the rest of the world and only have a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom with a double bed and wood stove. But hey – as soon as you wake up and open your eyes, you will immediately be treated to a beautiful view. Te Papa is not easy to reach: you will be met on arrival by the hosts Kim and Stu, who bring you with their 4WD to the top of the hill where the cottage is located.

5. Sugarloaf Lodge

At Sugarloaf Lodge you will be welcomed by two real Kiwis: Robin and Dianne. Dianne is originally from the Maori town of Te Arawara. Their lodge is located on Matakana Coast, in a green wine region where you are surrounded by trees and many bird species. You are close to typical New Zealand towns such as Warkworth and white sand beaches such as Omaha Beach. Robin and Dianne immediately give you the feeling that you are at home and would like to show you the surroundings. For example, they take you for breakfast at the farmer market in Matakana Village. That way you are even more between the locals and you will hardly encounter tourists!

6. Sleepers Vineyard

Wine lovers, pay attention! In New Zealand you can roll into your bed like a wine tasting. With a stay at Sleepers Vineyard you just do not stay overnight between the vines. The vineyard is located in a valley of the rural area Kekerengu and is managed by Chris and Lynne. Grapes for the Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc wines grow here. The vineyard is perfect for cycling or hiking. And that is not all: you are also half a kilometer away from the beach! You will stay in a cottage with a private garden, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. Here, too, you are provided with everything for a pleasant holiday! On summer days you can prepare your meals for the barbecue and in the winter you can crawl in front of the fireplace in the living room. Sleep at one of these addresses? TravelEssence is a specialist in the field of travel to Australia and New Zealand. The travel consultants know both countries like no other: they have lived, worked and traveled extensively. The travel organization is focused on small-scale, unique accommodations and activities. Far away from mass tourism. They are in direct contact with the hosts and can personally ensure that all specific requirements are met – before and during the trip.

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What to do in Puerto Vallarta? - Favorites for the world

Apart from bathing in the sea, sunbathing at the beach and sipping cocktails at the hotel’s pool, what to do in Puerto Vallarta?

Here are our suggestions, based on our experiences during our travels in this beautiful Mexican city.

Built on the mountainside, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Mexico. It was in the 1960s, after the filming of The Night of the Iguana with Richard Burton accompanied by his mistress, the star Elizabeth Taylor, that Puerto Vallarta became a known destination around the world. This charming city built on a mountainside in the Bahia de Banderas on the edge of the Pacific, has been for decades the favorite of the rich people of Mexico to spend their holidays. Continuously cradled by a seaside breeze, the resort has a stable and warm temperature hovering around 30 degrees.

The Church of Our Lady of Guadelupe, in old Puerto Vallarta.

Unlike other resorts, Puerto Vallarta is a real city where 350,000 people live. On the street, people greet us and welcome us. It is not uncommon to see a tourist guide stop all traffic on a busy street with a single wave of the hand to let a group of tourists pass. Also, the city enjoys one of the best reputations of Mexico in terms of safety in its streets, both day and night.

What to do in Puerto Vallarta? Our suggestions:

    The famous sculpture of the sea horse, the emblem of Puerto Vallarta, on the Malecon.

Walk the streets of the city, walk along the Malecon, photograph in front of the sculpture of the sea horse, the emblem of Puerto Vallarta, stroll through its parks and visit the art galleries. Stop at the church of Notre-Dame de la Guadelupe at the end of the day to admire its facade of bricks reddened by the setting sun. Climb by car at the top of the mountain for an extraordinary view of the bay and its rocks. Do not forget your camera!

At the bottom of a bay: the deserted beach of Las Caletas.

Go aboard a boat to admire the coasts and the beaches. One of the most beautiful excursions is the one that takes us to Las Caletas where we can paddle board, snorkel, admire parrots, learn to cook paella and just relax in a hammock by the sea.

Another excursion that is really worthwhile to discover the hinterland of Puerto Vallarta: the trip to Unimog in the mountains.

During this adventure, we visit the beautiful Botanical Garden, and not far from the garden we try to resolve the significance of the signs left by ancient civilizations on petroglyphs that are thousands of years old. At lunchtime, we go to a farm where we sit on benches around large picnic tables directly in a stream. Feet in the cool water, you are served typical Mexican dishes. Afterwards, it is a visit to the old town of El Tiuto dating back to the 18th century and we end it with a tasting of raicilla, the local drink of Puerto Vallarta, in a forest of huge pines. Take a tour of traditional restaurants with the Taco Tour. It is a guided evening of family restaurants and street counters with tastings of tacos and churros. The best in town! Fortunately at the very beginning, the guide asks us our level of tolerance to spicy foods to suggest dishes or warn us against some that would be a little too pungent for us. A very nice evening where we enjoyed among others, tacos of succulent fish. Follow the Mexican cooking workshop of Chef Julio de Gaby’s Restaurant. The workshop begins with a walk through the city accompanied by the chef. On the way, he makes us discover his city where he studied, then we walk some streets, we pass through a park, we cross a river on a wooden bridge suspended to reach the municipal market. Here we buy fresh produce that will compose the menu; tomatoes, avocados, coriander, red onions, tortilla dough, fish and chicken. Back at the Gaby’s restaurant, knives in hand, we all get to work according to the chef’s instructions. We made the discovery of authentic recipes that we cooked and eaten, 7 services well watered with margaritas and laughter!

Table set on the beach at La Palapa restaurant.

Our choice of restaurants for a beautiful gastronomic experience in Puerto Vallarta: the Tintoque for its atmosphere and its fine cuisine, the restaurant La Palapa to have your feet in the sand at sunset and the Café des Artistes, the most famous restaurants in Puerto Vallarta!

The pool of Villa Premiere.

Our favorite hotel: The Villa Premier Hotel and Spa, for adults only, located ten minutes walk from the city center; We love its excellent cuisine, its spacious rooms, its beautiful tranquility, its refined design and its impeccable service.

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Uruguay - South America for Beginners

Loud, full, dangerous, corrupt, this is how you imagine South America. None of this applies to Uruguay, in fact it is actually the exact opposite. There is a lot of landscape here and few people. Long sandy beaches that you often have to yourself. No noise, no overcrowding. The traffic chaos, the traffic jams, the honking that has driven me to madness on a regular basis in Buenos Aires does not exist in Uruguay (perhaps because of the fact that there are no cities to be acquired). The Uruguayos is doing well economically. Maybe the reason why you are not robbed here or why not haggling like any other peach in the rest of South America? President José Mujica is known for his modesty, lives on a farm and drives an ancient VW Beetle. The greasy touches that I knew from Argentina are missing here almost completely. People are more reserved and do not talk much. Are you wondering where the catch is? There is one; Uruguay is quite expensive compared to the rest of South America. Anyone looking for nightlife is completely out of place here, Uruguay only makes the friends of the rest happy. The tourists who come here are often Argentines who do not have a real beach in their own country. Or other South American nations that come here to smoke, that’s legal in Uruguay. All this makes Uruguay a South America in its most relaxed, pleasant version. If South America irritates you, but it’s actually too dangerous or exhausting, it’s your country. If you are considering Uruguay as your next travel destination, plan these places:

1. Punta del Este. The place of the rich and beautiful.

Everything is quite expensive, the cheapest dorm costs $ 20 per night, in the restaurant I have to pay 17 euros for a full menu with drink. There are very nice beaches and in the high season (December to February) clubs, casinos, bars, shopping and a wide selection of restaurants. There are two main beaches, the east side and the west side of the city. The former is good for surfing and has beautiful dunes, the west is more for families because of the shallow, calm waters. If both beaches are too crowded, you can still go by boat for 300 pesos to the island of Gorriti.

2. La Paloma. The place itself is nothing special but…

If you borrow a bike, you can drive to the Laguna de Rocha, which is about 8km away. The way there is very nice, you cycle over forest roads and past many cow and horse pastures. You can rent bicycles at Bicis El Topo for 40 pesos per hour or 150 pesos (5 euros) per day. For this you get a very old bike without gears, but that does not matter, the way to lagoon is mostly flat.

3. La Pedrera. From here you really can not talk about a city anymore.

Out of season, the place looks absolutely dead. The only supermarket is always open only a few hours a day. For landscape very magical.

5. Valizas. Pretty beach town right next to Cabo Polonio, but just outside the National Park.

Theoretically, you can hike from here over the dunes to Cabo Polonio. Practically there is still a river in between, you have to go through. The water was almost up to my neck, take camera is not so. Best travel time: November to April, then it’s summer. If you want to see whales, this is best done in winter from May to October Prices: For a night in the dormitory you pay 10 to 20 euros, for a meal in the restaurant 8 to 15. Sparfüchse should look for a hostel with kitchen and buy at markets best.

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In Switzerland, we always take a train for somewhere - Favorites for the world

“We always take a train somewhere,” said Gilbert Bécaud. Especially in Switzerland!

The Swiss rail network is so developed that you can visit all of Switzerland by train. Never need to take his car!

For a North American, having a pass that allows you to travel by public transport, from one end of a country to another, by sneaking into any of the smallest villages far from the mountains. the imaginary. In Switzerland, it’s perfectly normal. The Swiss travel pass is the way to travel throughout Switzerland by train and when I say everywhere, it’s really everywhere! First of all, this pass gives you access to the train that enters the heart of the city center of most cities and entitles you to spectacular scenery.

It is also used to make extraordinary excursions on themes such as cheese train or chocolate, as if the landscapes were not already fabulous enough. The Swiss travel pass also entitles us to all trips by boat, bus and cable car. And if the cable car does not go to the small isolated village, you can take the bus of the post office which transports you to the confines of the most distant places.

We buy it for a number of days and it’s like an all-inclusive travel ticket, it entitles you to:

Unlimited journeys throughout Switzerland by train, bus and boat Unlimited journeys aboard premium scenic trains (with booking and / or optional extras extra) Unlimited access to public transport in more than 90 cities in Switzerland Free admission to more than 500 museums Mountain trains included: Rigi, Schilthorn and Stanserhorn Up to 50% discount on other mountain trains

Imagine never having to concentrate on the road, no traffic jams, no parking, and you’ll never be late. In Switzerland, trains are always on time. I still have a thousand images running through my head from my train journeys; visit Gruyères castle after a gourmet stop to eat fondue, the beauty of the vineyards clinging to the winding valleys of the Canton of Vaud, the arrival at the jazz center of Montreux and descend in two minutes on foot on the Swiss Riviera , climb up to the small town of Tshuggen in the Alps with its spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks, discover the sweetness of the Lake Maggiore region and its resplendent gardens where palm trees are in the spotlight. Forget the car, we always take a train somewhere … Especially in Switzerland! This article In Switzerland, we always take a train for somewhere appeared first on Favorites for the world.

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India Travel - The white, fairytale Udaipur in Rajasthan

Traveling in India- The white Udaipur in Rajasthan

You want to travel to India, but do not know where to go in this huge country? Then I’ll help you with your decision: Udaipur in Rajasthan you should definitely put on your list. The magical city has many names: White City, City of Lakes or the Venice of the East. In short, Udaipur is the perfect symbiosis of sumptuous, majestic remnants of the kings’ time and the authentic Indian charm of a romantic lakeside town.

Concentrated old town charm in the center of Udaipur

When I get off the taxi coming from the rather quiet Jaisalmer in the Indian desert in the center of the old town of Udaipur, a bit of the bump hits me first. Memories of the loud, hectic Old Delhi are awakened. Fortunately, after only a few meters, I can retire to my pretty, comfortable guesthouse. The architecture of Old Udaipur is mainly Hindu inspired. Much of the population belongs to the Jain religion. There are no Islamic mosques here. My advice: Just let yourself drift through the streets, and lose yourself in the labyrinth of mostly white, but sometimes brightly colored rows of houses. The core of Udaipur is not big. Around the Jagdish temple, at the intersection of which crossing the road can be a challenge, concentrates the sometimes unmanageable traffic. Just walk slowly and carefully, the cars and scooters pay attention to you and get out.

Indian shopping spree & local specialties

Admittedly, in the many colorful shops that adorn the streets, I have almost chatted myself dead. A pants for 4 euros here, a long dress made of silk for 12 euros there, handmade frames there. Lucky that I spent only two days here, otherwise I would have burnt down today! In any case, the action is important. Start with a third less than what is required. Immediately at the above junction in a small lane, by the way, from 8 o’clock the best Samosas and Katschuris Udaipurs are sizzling. Katschuris are baked dumplings stuffed with lentils and spices, in Samosas the contents are chickpeas and spices. Delicious chai tea is also here. The small street food shop does not have a name, but you can find it opposite Vidhya Tailors. The Lala Misthan Bhandar is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth like me. Be sure to try the Gulab Jamun, sweet balls in sugar syrup. Or the delicious biscuits made from lentils. Or all the other typical biscuits. Best to feast through the assortment.

Royal Palace – opulent pageantry in royal architecture

Udaipur’s must-see is the Royal Palace, which seems omnipresent only in Udaipur due to its size. Fortunately, the owner of my guesthouse, Akshay, also operates an agency, the Vintage Walking Tours. Thus, he knows the Royal Palace as well as the whole of Udaipur like the back of his hand and offers to guide me through the royal walls and provide interesting information. Soon you can book with him also tours by bike. Definitely cool too! The palace was built in 1559 by the then king Udaising, after whom the city Udaipur is also named. After entering the area through an archway, you will reach a stone wall on the right. The place looks rather unspectacular, but was until the 50s, the scene for elephant fighting. On each side stood an elephant and fought against the other. The one who first touched the wall had lost. The largest part of the city palace is today a museum. Another houses the luxury Royale Palace, and the royal family still lives in a third building. The king is now 77 years old and has a daughter and a son. Magnificent, lavishly decorated rooms, peaceful, tranquil courtyards and great views of Lake Pichola, the city center and the Aravalli Mountains await you inside the palace. Especially the rooms with colored and mirrored glass shine in a beautiful light. To get from room to room, you have to cross very low doors, which have certainly led to one or the other bump on the head. But they certainly had their purpose, because so the visitors of the king had to bow automatically before him. Particularly beautiful is the Pfauenhof, which is decorated with numerous beautiful reliefs of this bird. The peacock is considered the national symbol of India and stands for dance and music. In this yard therefore regularly performances for the king took place. Since a visit to the palace is a highlight for many travelers, I advise you to visit it early in the morning. Already at about 11 clock countless people cavorted in my stay countless people in the old walls. In the high season, it is probably 15,000 per day. As many as in the Taj Mahal!

A peaceful boat trip & a magical nostalgic island

The obligatory program in Udaipur includes a romantic boat trip on Lake Pichola. From the water, the princely buildings lining the lakeshore seem even more impressive. In particular, the gigantic extent of the city palace becomes even more clearly recognizable from here. I’ll take the first boat at 10:00 am, heading for Jag Mandir Island in the soft morning sun after a short cruise. Tickets can be bought at the left counter of the ticket counter in front of the palace. A ride costs 430 rupees (5.40 euros), but only until 14.00 clock. Thereafter, 300 rupees will be pitched. The still cool sea air blows around my nose, while the flower-decked boat slowly makes its tracks across the quiet, peaceful lake. We also drive past the famous Lake Palace Hotel, which swims like a fairy tale in the middle of the lake. Parts of the James Bond movie “Octopussy” starring Roger Moore were filmed here, among other things. Arrived on the island, waiting for me in some places a busy hustle and bustle. It’s the wedding season, and until yesterday was extensively celebrated. A crowd of workers dismantles scaffolding, chairs and decoration. In the left part, on the other hand, time seems to have stopped. Everything looks a bit like from an old Hollywood production with James Dean and Marylin Monroe. The neat, nostalgic garden, the ornate bar tables and chairs, the fountain and the bar just above the water. If I had not just had breakfast, I would settle for a coffee here and dream of this exciting time. A wonderful place to stay in a dreamlike setting and to be pampered in the cafe, restaurant or bar with a delicious drink or meal.

By cable car to the idyllic sunset

For just 103 rupees (1.30 euros up & down), a modern cable car takes you up to a breathtaking view of Udaipur and the surrounding area. About 10 minutes drive is the station by tuk tuk from the city center. Even if the view is breathtaking during the day, Udaipur is even better in the light of the sinking Indian sun. At the latest when the deep red fireball reflects in the lake, letting the palace shine in golden light and finally sinking slowly behind the mountains, Udaipur has completely enchanted you with its white beauty. Betting? I could still write page by page about this fantastic scenery, but now let the pictures speak for themselves.

India Travel – the best cafes and restaurants in Udaipur

In only two days stay in Udaipur I could already scout my favorite cafes. There is the Ginger with the world’s best chocolate pie, which is addictive! When I think about it, my mouth is watering again. Like black lava, the chocolate slowly flows from the cake to the plate. Do I have to write more? There is also a good coffee plus a magnificent view of the lake from the leafy terrace, while a refreshing breeze cools your skin. Incidentally, you can observe how women and children wash their clothes a few meters away in the lake, as well as themselves. Like a ritual, the foaming of the long black hair and the subsequent flogging with a cloth appear. Also for a breakfast, lunch or dinner the Ginger Café is a great choice. Incidentally, cake and a cappuccino cost only 3.30 euros together. In Hello Boho, which opened just a few months ago, I find the decor very pretty. There is something hidden on the right side of the excavator Ki Haveli, where every evening at 6.30 pm there are performances of regional typical dances. Unfortunately, you can not sit outside in Hello Boho, but that should be possible in the next few months. I ate here for lunch a very delicious vegetables, but also crèpes, sandwiches and other Indian vegetable dishes are on the varied menu. Also very nice and recommendable is the Café Edelweiss. It is not right on the water.

For an authentic all-you-can-eat thali I recommend the Krishna Dal Bati Restaurant.

For only 250 rupees, your plate is stuffed with dhal (lentil curry), a kind of bread crumbs with ghee (ayurvedic butter), rice, papadam, various chutneys, salad and a sweet dessert until you drop. The decor is typically Indian simple, the food but really genuine and excellent. Learning to cook Indian food on India trips Masala, chai, chapati, naan or dishes with paneer – I could put myself in all the colorful, delicious dishes of an Indian cookbook. If you like to cook too, I can only recommend you to book such a course. You will also get to know other travelers in a simple, uncomplicated way, spend a sociable time with them and the cook teacher, and at the end of the day, you will be able to enjoy all the fine, home-made delicacies. The cooking class at the incredibly likable Shashi starts with a small introductory round in which she also shares her impressive, touching story with us. After her husband died and she was having trouble making money as a woman, they encouraged travelers from Portugal to learn English, offer their own cooking classes, and create a website for them. A direct hit! The business has been thriving ever since, so she can welcome cooking enthusiasts in her kitchen almost every day.

Table with Indian delicacies

Before it really starts, we are still equipped with the typical Indian red dot between the eyebrows, a bracelet and a red line on the crown, actually the symbol for married. I feel a lot more Indian and belonging. Then we start preparing the beloved chai tea, which can be made from both fresh ingredients and masala powder. Hmmmm, I just love him! What really impressed me is that Shashi not only knows the names of the ingredients in English but also in many other languages ​​such as French, German, Spanish, Israeli or Dutch. This helps a lot if you do not have to deal with Indian cooking ingredients in English every day. In the course of the evening, baked vegetables, chutneys, lentils dahl, various masala recipes (for which we now have the universal recipe of Magic Masala sauce), chapati, naan and sweet parantha are prepared. A festival of exotic spices, which we can now also distinguish from the FF. After about four hours, we have conjured up so many dishes in teamwork that our table is like an Indian feast. Everything tastes so delicious that I can hardly stop putting a spoon in my mouth again and again. Except maybe the coriander chutney. Because if I do not like a spice at all, then this fresh herb. The courses are offered twice a day. At 10.30 and 17.30 hours and take about four to five hours.

Animal Aid – Help for street dogs and sacred cows

This trip from Udaipur lets me return to the city thoughtfully. I love animals and had read that about 6 miles outside the city Animal Aid Animal Shelters is primarily for street dogs. Here you can help a few days, weeks or months as a volunteer, but also – just like me – come between 9 and 12 clock, get a free guide and then make something useful. Even if it is only for 2 hours. The tour of the facility starts in the rescue station for dogs. It is subdivided into different areas, with the uninhibited all being allowed to walk around freely. 40,000 dogs are admitted here every year. At the moment, the facility is home to around 800 animals. They will be picked up, if necessary, on the basis of information from the public. Every day 80-100 calls reach the NGO. Part of Animal Aid’s work, however, is to engage the population, enable it to build a relationship with dogs, and be motivated to help dogs in their local area. After all, dogs live in groups and are put back in the same place after recovery, so as not to completely tear them out of their usual environment. Especially looking for help and compassionate looking at me the eyes of dogs with Reude. This disease manifests itself in severe coat failure. Some are almost similar to the breed of pretty ugly nude dogs. But there is hope for these poor creatures, because the fur is growing again, as the employee confirms and demonstrates to a healthy dog.

The vicious circle of sacred cows was clearly demonstrated

However, the suffering story of many cows is particularly close to me. Cows can be found all over India on the streets, whether in small streets or on the highway. They are held by families, left out in the morning and fed by everyone, as they are considered sacred. Another reason why the roads are full of cows is the fact that male calves are useless. They do not give milk, and their meat must not be eaten. However, as sacred beings in Rajasthan, they are not allowed to be killed by law either. Animal Aid is currently home to 60-70 baby bulls. When they starve to death in the street, even worse, absurd scenarios take place: the dead calf is placed at the mother’s feet to stimulate their milk flow. Others, in turn, end up illegally transporting the leather mafia to the south, where killing is allowed. This vicious cycle is shown to me in the enclosure of the cows and donkeys drastically and unadorned: Four cows lie wrapped in blankets, some of which were also placed over their heads, on the ground, waiting for their redeeming death. Their stomachs are full of plastic and garbage they eat from the streets. Since they can not be killed, as mentioned earlier, the only help Animal Aid can provide is sedating them and relieving their pain. All of this is a result of our milk and cheese consumption, which has the same consequences in every country. Only here he is ruthlessly practiced and made aware of with all his hardness. Tears are in my eyes. If you, like me, have some time to spend, after the guide, you can help bottle the calves or give some love to the many paraplegic dogs with a few strokes and a little cuddling. To see them struggling to get their deaf dangling hind feet behind them to reach you will certainly soften and touch your heart as well. Mine has also taken this small, sweet-sweet pig, which sucked with his nose again and again on my hand in a storm.

India Travel – the prettiest Guest House  in Udaipur

My tip for a very nice place to stay in Udaipur is the Little Garden Guesthouse. I had already fallen in love while looking at the pictures in the colorful, but not overloaded rooms and therefore booked my three nights stay here. The drive there takes 45 minutes from the airport as it is just outside. The prepaid taxi, which you pay in the airport building, costs 650 rupees. The location of the guesthouse is ideal, right in the old town. The owner Akshay designed a total of eight rooms so tastefully and homely seven years ago that I immediately feel incredibly comfortable when I enter my room. The historic house from 1861 is now in the hands of the sixth generation. From the huge roof terrace, which is further expanded, you have a wonderful view of the back of the palace and the white buildings of the old town. In the cozy oriental breakfast room, the Indian breakfast consisting of dhal and parantha or potato mash with cumin tastes great. But also toast is offered. Would you like to travel to India and visit Udaipur now? I can only advise you. If you have been there before, you are welcome to give a few tips in the comments. We are looking forward to it!

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Small steps to reduce your ecological footprint while traveling

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How to travel with peace of mind when you know the consequences of tourism on the environment? One has only to think of cruise ships, which produce an average of 7000 tonnes of waste per year, the industrial quantity of fresh water wasted in hotels (watering, swimming pool, etc.), deforestation in view to build new hotel conplexes, etc. Do you think that it is enough to avoid mass tourism to have no impact on the environment? Think again. With low cost flights and the democratization of travel, even budget travelers have an important ecological footprint. Did you know that a one-way Paris-Montreal trip produces 1 tonne of CO2? It is said that to avoid contributing to global warming, each person should not produce more than 2 tonnes per year. It’s a single transatlantic round trip! Flight over Yellowknife, NWT What can be done to feel better about being a traveler? On this Earth Day, I propose some good habits that you can take in your travels to reduce your ecological footprint. Of course, it will not change the world, except that … It will be a good start!

1. Limit airplane travel

Well, you’re going to tell me that it’s not within the reach of all to swim across the Atlantic. I grant you. But if you limit yourself to a flight at the beginning and at the end of the trip, to make the internal movements differently? When you know that an airplane pollutes twice as much as a diesel car and four times more than a bus, per kilometer, simply limiting the number of flights can already make a huge difference. It is certainly faster to fly above the landscape than to go through it, but slow travel also has its advantages, especially for the environment. You can also buy carbon credits to offset the GHG emissions of a flight, from organizations like Ecotierra.

2. Protect corals

We know that sunscreen promotes the whitening of corals. Those who already have a hard time because of the warming of the oceans … If there is still no 100% ecological sunscreen on the market, we can still do our part by applying its sunscreen at least half a year. hour before swimming. You can also choose an organic product with a mineral filter, without a chemical filter. Of course, when diving, avoid feeding the fish and touching everything underwater. Starfish suffocate when they come out of the water. Think about it before taking a picture. What to do when confronted with a situation where it is the guide, or a local company that adopts these harmful behaviors? I encourage you to denounce the lack of professionalism and to show the agencies that the environment is important to you. Do your homework, ask questions and choose trips that are made in an environmentally friendly way.

3. Avoid the plastic

It may seem obvious. Do you drink bottled water at home? Why would you do it abroad? Of course, in some countries it is not recommended to drink tap water. These are often the same countries where waste management and recycling are problematic, so why add a layer when we have the means, as tourists, to do our part. Bring a water filter! You can reuse it throughout your journey and fill it from any tap. The same goes for overpacks and plastic bags. In travel too, you can bring a reusable bag for your purchases, and ask for a drink without straw. These are simple actions that, after several trips, will have saved a lot of waste.

4. Buy responsibly

Buy fewer souvenirs, but choose them best! Opt for locally made products. Not only are you encouraging the local economy, but you will do a little bit for the environment by avoiding a product made in China that has traveled for miles to reach you. Here are some examples of eco-responsible souvenirs: a piece of art such as a painting by a local artist, crafts such as a basket woven, pottery, coconut jewelry, or local food products (make sure you that it is food allowed to the customs). Local craft table at the Emberas of Panama Avoid at all costs souvenirs made from endangered species: musical instruments made from turtle shell, crocodile skin shoes / handbags, ivory decorations or jewelry, corals, etc. In short, on your next trip, do not leave your ecological conscience at home! There is a way to let go while limiting its ecological impact.

And what are the little things you do on the road to reduce your ecological footprint?

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Zakynthos, Greece: an island of gods

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Zakynthos an Island you won’t believe real.

“The water color does not believe me human”, I think, as I stand close enough to the cliff to see the beach below me. I take photos, each of which looks like it’s been photoshopped. Dream beaches Zakynthos can easily. As if the sight was not idyllic enough, there is a shipwreck on the beach. Placed in the middle of the sand and well rooted, the bay gives it the pirate atmosphere, which makes it even more special than the other turquoise bays. If I were a shipwreck, I could not think of a better place to dive. To climb down the rock face is too steep, directly to the shipwreck one comes only with the boat. The cliffs that I walk along are so wide that even several arriving tourist buses have enough space to take pictures.

But there is hardly anyone here.

I meet an Australian couple who tells me that on their trip to Greece they only extended their stay on Zakynthos, here it was so unexpectedly beautiful. I understand.

I drive my car back to the hotel in Laganas.

At a petrol station with only one petrol pump, I stop. An old woman in a plastic chair greets me joyfully, refuels my car and puts the bill I give her, rolled up in her apron pocket. Not many cars pass by here. Sometimes I encounter trekkers on the way to the olive harvest, otherwise hardly any traffic. That changes as soon as I approach the capital Zakynthos or Laganas. In Laganas, clubs and bars line up with Booze Cruise vendors and scooter rentals. In the evening, the air is filled with the rumble of the loudspeakers, the wohoohoo calls of the party-goers and the crackling of the quads. Fortunately, this form of tourism focuses on a few places on the island and I’m glad to have a hotel on the outskirts where I can sleep without Oropax.

If you do not want to rely on Greek buses, then a rental car is recommended.

Parking is easy to find and the serpentine mountain roads are faster with cars than buses. Here is a list of destinations that are easy to reach by car: Navagio: The bay with the shipwreck, most popular photo opportunity of the island

Agios Dimitrios: place in the interior, here’s a small path to a cave.

Not the first attraction I would call. But nice, if you want to see something other than beach.

Agios Nikolaos: Harbor from which the boats leave for the Blue Cave.

Everything underwater here looks blue colored. Even people who swim through. Our boat was traveling so fast that I could not shoot you a proof photo.

Kampi: Here the tourists gather for sunset.

From one of the restaurants you look into a bay, where the sun sets with lots of water glitter and bright pinks.

Porto Limnionas: Bay with sky blue water.

As almost everywhere. Only that you have access to the water here and can swim and snorkel.

Exo Chora: In this place stands the oldest olive tree of the island.

He is over 2000 years old, I was told.

Keri: If you drive in the direction of Keri Lighthouse, you first hit the biggest flag of Greece (was not hoisted when I was there).

If you continue on a small gravel road (or run), you come to a few freestanding rocks, which can be seen from the cliff.

Agios Sostis / Cameo Island: Mini island, connected by a bridge to the mainland in Laganas.

The island is privately owned and often rented for weddings. But you can just walk around on the bridge.

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